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Case: Why Should I Listen?
As part of my 7th grade Social Studies curriculum, I have to talk about slavery, the civil rights movement, etc. The topic ultimately leads to a discussion of how Whites oppressed Blacks. I try to present these topics in a way that does not suggest any guilt. This year, one of my students had a very bad reaction. When we were talking about the civil rights, John, one of my well-behaved but opinionated students, got up and said that he did not want to listen to this lesson anymore, because all we did was to demonize the White people. Three other students openly agreed with him saying that these topics made them angry. I have to cover these topics because they are a part of my curriculum. Also, I believe in the importance teaching children about these inequalities. However, it seems like the way I teach, which is mainly based on lectures and small group work, is making my White students uncomfortable. What should I do to make sure that my White students do not feel offended by these topics?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
In 5th grade Social Studies we discuss the same concepts in a smaller scale. I have never had a student openly admit to being angry about the topic however; I do not dismiss the idea. I think that lectures and small groups are a productive way to teach the concept. I think you should explain to the students that the material is part of our history and we must discuss the concepts so that history does not repeat itself. Tell the students that just because the predominate race that discriminated against African Americans were white does not mean that all white people were "bad." Explain to them that there were several white Americans that worked to help the slaves. One important example is the president of the time, Abraham Lincoln. I would also explain to the students that simply because your parents or someone in your family made a bad decision in their life that doesn't negatively affect your character just as your ancestors from this time period do not negatively affect your character now as well. |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: I feel this is an appropriate solution. Tying it into a job or a family member making a bad decision is something students can connect to on a here and now basis. |
| Rated On: October 17, 2014 12:13 am |
| Rated By: Holly Ebbert |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
|
| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: Great solution, teaching about Lincoln and on how what your ancestors may or may not have done doesn't define you are great way to make that child feel less singled out from his race. |
| Rated On: October 17, 2014 4:21 pm |
| Rated By: Angela Avery |
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